The ancient Egyptians worshipped a rich pantheon of gods and goddesses — yet many of the deities best known to us today are male: Ra, Osiris, Anubis, Horus.
This course sets out to redress the balance, placing the goddesses of ancient Egypt firmly at the centre of the story.
Join Egyptologist Lucia Gahlin as she opens a window into ancient Egyptian history, culture and society through the iconography, attributes and worship of a selection of important female deities — shedding light on how the ancient Egyptians understood the cosmos, kingship, queenship, and their own lived experience. Focusing on different deities in each session, and drawing on a wealth of archaeological, architectural, visual and textual material spanning some 3000 years of pharaonic history, expect a lively and vivid exploration of mythology, ritual and belief.
Set in the peaceful Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a graceful Georgian house combining heritage, comfort, and tranquillity. Its elegant architecture and landscaped gardens create a calm, inspiring setting, while cosy bedrooms and freshly prepared home-cooked meals ensure a relaxing stay. Guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the indoor pool, spa bath, sauna, and steam room.
With its serene atmosphere and warm hospitality, Holbrook Manor is the perfect place to learn, connect, and unwind.
The course runs from dinner on the first day (14th September) until lunch on the last day (16th September)
Prices (per-person)
Residential (Single Occupancy - En-suite): £590
Residential (Shared Occupancy - En-suite): £470
Non-resident: £320
We operate a deposit scheme of £150 per-person for all booking types, with the balance due 4 weeks before the course start date.
(We will send a reminder and secure payment link for the balance on the due date)
For a full course description, including details on the tutor, venue, accommodation (where applicable) and more, visit our full listings page by clicking here.
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Lucia Gahlin is an Egyptologist with over 30 years’ experience in Ancient Egyptian history, culture, and archaeology. She has worked at the site of Amarna, curated at London’s Petrie Museum, and taught at universities including UCL, Bristol, and Exeter. A former Trustee of the Egypt Exploration Society and Director of Bloomsbury Summer School, she has published widely on Egyptian religion, including the best-seller Egypt: Gods, Myths and Religion. Lucia now lectures internationally, guides in museums, and leads tours in Egypt.
Click here to find out more about Lucia Gahlin and her other available courses
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Nestled in the Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a charming Georgian house offering comfort, calm, and character — ideal for residential courses and retreats. With elegant rooms, home-cooked meals, and access to the indoor pool, spa bath, sauna, and steam room, it’s the perfect place to learn, relax, and recharge.
The venue has plenty of free parking, accessible course rooms and some accessible bedrooms. There are also a few bedrooms which are dog friendly.
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You can book either as a resident or as a non-resident student for this course.
RESIDENT (Single occupancy)
Each booking includes one place on the course plus bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.RESIDENT (Shared occupancy) [Double or Twin]*
Each booking includes one place on the course plus bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.*Rooms are for 2 people sharing only. Each guest staying must book one of these tickets.
NON-RESIDENT
Includes one place on the course plus lunch and refreshments at break times (tea/coffee etc.) for the duration of the course.
If, as a non-resident student, you wish to join the group for breakfast or dinner on any of the days then this can be arranged and charged separately. Simply send a request, no later than 2 weeks before the course start date, to info@neighbourhoodlearning.com -
Holbrook Manor has 15 enchanting and spacious bedrooms in the manor along with 5 garden rooms with private terraces located within our stunning grounds.
All rooms are en-suite and come with towels included.
The garden rooms are located on the ground floor and suitable for those with access needs. They are also dog friendly.
Rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We will of course always try to accommodate requests where possible!
Check in is from 15:00 on the day of arrival
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Please note: The following timings are just for guidance. Confirmed timings will be released to students nearer the course start date.
DAY ONE
The course will have a first session from 20:00 - 21:00, after dinner on the first day.DAY TWO
The second day will begin from 09:30 and run with lunch and refreshment breaks until 16:30. There will be another after-dinner session from 20:00 - 21:00.DAY THREE
Our final day will run though from 09:30 until 13:00, at which point the course will finish with lunch. -
A pen and paper might be handy if you wish to make notes and an open mind!
